Andy Stock

Originally from the UK, many of my earliest travel memories are fairly modest but still deeply nostalgic—family trips that involved taking the ferry from Dover to Calais, followed by a couple of weeks camping in the heart of central France. Those early holidays were simple and unpolished, but they quietly planted the seed for what would later become a lifelong passion for exploring the world.

My first truly significant overseas adventure came at the age of 19, when I travelled to Australia to play cricket. While my performance on the pitch was, to put it kindly, far from memorable, the experience itself was transformative. I was completely captivated by Australia’s vast landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and the sheer scale of its natural beauty. That trip sparked something in me—a curiosity and excitement for travel that I’ve been chasing ever since.

Over the following two decades, I made it a personal mission to see as much of the world as possible, gradually building up a list of countries visited that now stands at 82 and counting. Each destination has offered something unique, but it was my first journey to Africa in 2010 that truly changed everything for me. There’s something undeniably special about Africa—the raw, untamed wilderness, the incredible proximity to wildlife in its natural habitat, and sunsets that feel almost otherworldly in their intensity and colour.

Since that first visit, Africa has held a special place in my heart, and I make a point of returning at least once every year to experience its magic all over again. Looking ahead, I’m especially excited for my next adventure: a trip to Rwanda, where I’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to see mountain gorillas in the wild—something that has long been at the very top of my travel bucket list.